San Diego representatives attending the G.I.R.L. convention included (standing, from left): adult delegates Leslie Catanzaro, Linda Sanchez, Makenna Lang, Michelle Wilkinson, Pam Levin, Kassie Panian, Rebecca James, CEO Carol Dedrich, girl delegates Amira Walia, Jaddin Thomas, Ana de Almeida Amaral and Mychal Johnson, and adult delegates Jeni Barajas and Karla Halvorson; and (seated) Girl Scouts Sophia Morrison, Serena Jones (alternate delegate), Kylie Williams, Kaiolena Tacazon, Maria Burritt (delegate) and Nora McDougall.

National convention mobilizes members

More than 10,000 individuals shared best practices and gained insights about Girl Scouting at G.I.R.L. 2017, Girl Scouts of the USA’s 54^th national convention in Columbus, Ohio (blog). Board Chair Regina Buckley led our contingent of official girl and adult delegates and representatives-at-large. The delegates also took part in a council voting session, where they helped shape national policy. In addition, GSUSA presented our group with a special commendation for increasing membership numbers, an accolade we credit to everyone who helped us connect and build stronger relationships with volunteers and girls.
 
Highlights ranged from interacting with a NASA robot to meeting accomplished public figures. First daughters Barbara Pierce Bush and Chelsea Clinton, Olympians Gabby Douglas and Sasha Cohen, Muslim Girl founder and editor Amani Al-Khatahtbeh, and Mae Jemison, the first African American woman in space, were among session presenters. They held panel discussions about topics like entrepreneurship, leading with empathy and collaboration, and how to take a stand on global and domestic issues.
 
The key takeaway was the roll-out of the G.I.R.L. Agenda — a nonpartisan initiative to inspire, prepare and mobilize girls and those who care about them to lead positive change through civic action. The multiyear effort celebrates the Girl Scout legacy of civic engagement programming, with elements including a new Good Neighbor badge and tools for girls and adults to be catalysts for change. I invite you to encourage members of all ages to explore this invaluable resource.

Yours in Girl Scouting,

Carol M. Dedrich, MBA, CFRE
Chief Executive Officer
 

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Girl Scouts: the world's best leadership program for girls
Research proves that Girl Scouts’ single-sex, girl-centered environment creates a setting where girls thrive. They develop a strong sense of self, step outside their comfort zones, and build the bravery and resilience that comes from taking risks, learning from mistakes and trying again. Compared to their non-Girl Scout peers, Girl Scouts earn better grades and have higher academic and career aspirations. They are also more likely to enter professions in business, law or the STEM fields, where women are traditionally underrepresented.

Girl Scouts of the USA CEO Sylvia Acevedo outlines these unparalleled benefits in a recent USA Today article that responds to Boy Scouts’ decision to open its program to girls. 
 

Sara Fletcher makes a solar oven while other campers learn archery.

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Finish Chelsea's Run: discounts available until Nov. 10
Ready … set … sign up now for Finish Chelsea’s Run in Partnership with Girl Scouts San Diego! The eighth annual event is set for Saturday, March 3 in Balboa Park. Participants will start the day with the 5K (or “short and sweet,” one-mile course), then stay for a family festival. Register as a team or individual by Friday, Nov. 10 to enjoy early bird discount rates. More than 8,000 attendees are expected for this popular run/walk, which honors the memory of Chelsea, a former Girl Scout, while raising money for college scholarships and Girl Scout programs.